You might think you know everything you need to about bricks. It’s fair to say new brick trends don’t come along all that often, but it’s important to know about them when they do and to think about new ways to use one of the most traditional products out there. Thinking a bit differently when it comes to bricks can help you tap into the latest design trends your customers are looking for and ultimately win more work. So, we’ve been chatting to our friends at Wienerberger to get the lowdown.
1. LIGHTER COLOURED BRICKS
We’re seeing a growing tendency for homeowners to opt for lighter-coloured bricks – think light greys and whites. It’s all about making brickwork stand out and bringing in new shades and more character to a project. The perfect examples of this are the Marziale and Con Mosso ranges, as they offer that unique, rustic look.
More often than not these products will be specified by an architect, or it might be a direct request from a homeowner, but it’s always good to be aware of what materials you may be asked to work with more frequently and get up to speed with how to get hold of them.
It’s also important to consider local building regulations when you’re helping your customer decide on their brick choice. Local authorities request that buildings keep in line with local brick variations that have developed over the years, however, this is becoming more relaxed.
2. BRICK SLIPS
These clever products enable people to achieve that cosy, industrial look of a real brick feature wall, and while they’ve been on the market for some time, they’re still seeing a huge growth in popularity. They also come with many benefits for installers. They’re quick and easy to install, so you can get in and finish the job in half the time, but still provide the perfect finish. Additional benefits are that they’re a great space–saving solution and help with heat retention. As they’re only 20mm thick, your customers won’t lose as much space, plus they add extra insulation as part of the installation process.
They’re not just for use in people’s homes either as they can be used internally and externally on any building for an instant makeover. You’ll see them being used more and more in commercial settings, as pubs, cafes, offices and restaurants are catching on to this trend too. You can read all about brick slips here.
Brick slips are available through your local Jewson branch via the Brick Tile Company, just get in touch for more information.
Brick Tile company, Blend 3
3. BRICK FINISHES
It’s time to think outside of the box when it comes to brick finishes. Although the natural brick finish is popular, if your clients are a bit more adventurous and looking for something a bit different, opting for an alternative brick finish could be just what they’re looking for.
Glazed bricks, for example, are a great way to add a really modern finish to any space – both internally and externally.
4. ROOF TILES
Ok, you got us, not technically a brick but roof tiles also play an important part in the overall look of a building. We’re seeing an increased interest in mansard styling – where the roof tiles travel down the side of the house. So, while you might start off a project thinking that bricks are the perfect solution this is another option to offer to your customers to make sure their project is bang on trend.
5. BRINGING THE INDOORS, OUTDOORS
As we’ve all been spending a lot more time at home recently, and sunny summer holidays abroad feel like a distant memory, a lot of your customers will be compensating for this by investing in their homes. One of the most popular ways to make the home feel more luxurious is to create outdoor living spaces that act as an extension of the home. Think outdoor dining areas that extend directly off a home, garden rooms and even lounge areas.
These modifications can easily be created and designed to tie into the rest of the building with the right brick products. There are plenty of choices out there that can help with this transitional design – in particular bricks that are suitable for both internal and external spaces.
For more information on our brick offering, visit: https://www.jewson.co.uk/building-materials/bricks-blocks.
